Sep 25, 2008

World - Zimbabwe kids pay fees in Cows

HARARE: Residents in Zimbabwe’s second city, Bulawayo, have called for government action against a school asking for fees in livestock or fuel coupons. Those who do not have coupons have been asked to deliver 700 litres of fuel.One teacher at Petra High School said it was cash-strapped parents who wanted to pay in kind. Teachers confirmed that if parents failed to raise enough cash, they could pay in whatever they have, including livestock.It is not clear how many parents have handed over animals. Cows are the usual method of payment because of their higher value, though poor people in rural areas have also used goats.